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Jewish Journal

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May 25, 2023

Biden Administration Releases Antisemitism Plan

News, United States /

The Biden administration released the inaugural National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism on May 25, prompting mostly positive reactions from Jewish groups while some expressed disappointment.

The strategy consists of more than 100 actions and four pillars, according to a fact sheet on the White House’s website. The first pillar focuses on educating the United States on the pernicious threat of antisemitism and how Jews have bettered American society. As such, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will be establishing their first-ever Holocaust education research center in America to “undertake systematic, rigorous, and actionable research into teaching and learning about the Holocaust and study the impact and effectiveness of Holocaust education in the U.S. Agencies will also create new materials on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish American heritage and history,” per the fact sheet. “The U.S. government will also bolster research on antisemitism, its impact on American society, and its intersection with other forms of hate through funding opportunities, resources, and outreach from several agencies.” The first pillar of the strategy also pledges that the federal government will provide education on antisemitism in the workplace, on campus and to the media, and will include antisemitism in various bias trainings for federal agencies.

Notably, the full 60-page plan states that “there are several definitions of antisemitism” and notes that the “most prominent” definition that “the United States has embraced” is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. The IHRA definition includes the demonization and delegitimization of Israel––such as comparing Israel to the Nazis––as well as double standards against the Jewish state “not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” Additionally, the plan states that “the Administration welcomes and appreciates the Nexus Document and notes other such efforts.” The Nexus Document says regarding double standards: “There are numerous reasons for treating Israel differently or devoting special attention to Israel, among them that Israel receives more military aid than any other country or that someone has a special religious connection with Israel. Singling out Israel because it is a Jewish state, using standards different than those applied to other countries, is antisemitism.” It also says that criticism of Zionism and/or Israel may not be antisemitic since some might be against “nationalism or ethnonationalist ideology” or “may have been adversely affected by the creation of the State of Israel.” The Nexus Document does list various instances in which criticism of Israel and/or Zionism can be antisemitic, such as invoking antisemitic tropes, attacking Jews over their personal relationship with Israel and “advocating a political solution that denies Jews the right to define themselves as a people.”

Pillar 2 of the Biden strategy focuses on “improving [the] safety and security of the Jewish community,” noting the rise in harassment and violence against Jews. This aspect of the strategy involves the Department of Homeland Security providing “a series of workshops on countering antisemitic and other forms of hate-motivated violence against communities impacted by targeted violence,” and the Department of Justice will be meeting with various Jewish leaders. Additionally, the Biden administration urges Congress to provide $360 million to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a $55 million increase from the year before.

Pillar 3 involves efforts to fight the “normalization” of antisemitism in American society. “The Biden-Harris Administration will, first and foremost, continue speaking out clearly and forcefully against antisemitism and those who peddle it, and urge all sectors of society to do the same,” the fact sheet states. “In addition, the U.S. Government will take steps wherever it can to tackle the rise of antisemitism online. We also call on Congress to hold social media platforms accountable for spreading hate-fueled violence, including antisemitism; impose much stronger transparency requirements on online platforms; and pass legislation requiring platforms to enable timely and robust public interest research, including on the spread of antisemitism and other forms of hate.” The administration will also fight antisemitism in schools by reminding them they must follow Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Department of Education’s Antisemitism Awareness Campaign.

The final pillar involves “cross-community solidarity and collective action to counter hate” and lists several partners in this endeavor, including the National Basketball Players Association, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog tweeted congratulations to the administration over their antisemitism plan. “Thank you, @POTUS, for prioritizing the need to confront antisemitism in all its forms,” he said. “We welcome the re-embracing of @TheIHRA
definition which is the gold standard definition of antisemitism. Less than a century after the Holocaust, rising antisemitism in America and across the globe is cause for alarm. This report is an important first step in the long fight against this venomous hate.”

Several Jewish groups applauded the Biden administration’s plan to fight antisemitism.

“As the U.S. Jewish community is experiencing antisemitism at levels not seen in generations, we deeply appreciate that the White House has stepped up and delivered this significant, comprehensive strategy,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “It’s particularly notable that this approach recognizes that antisemitism is not about politics – it’s about principles. We are pleased that this strategy comprehensively addresses hate and antisemitism on campus, online, and from extremists on both the far-right and the far-left.”

“In adopting this national strategy, the White House has sent a clear, unequivocal message that antisemitism is a problem that affects all of society, not just Jews,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch similarly said in a statement. “This is a historic day for America and its Jewish community. AJC was proud to be part of the process to develop this strategy and is glad to see a whole-of-government approach to counter this persistent and pernicious threat.”

Simon Wiesenthal Center Associate Dean and Director for Global Social Action Agenda Rabbi Abraham Cooper said in a statement, “The Simon Wiesenthal Center applauds President Biden’s speech committing the United States and all the relevant federal agencies to fight anti-Semitism and to urge internet companies to take specific action against the continued use of their powerful platforms in mainstreaming Jew hatred. We also applaud the call for the involvement of faith leaders to take action against anti-Semitism and the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its renowned Museum of Tolerance, institutions committed over decades to this fight, to do its share in working together with the government, faith leaders and social media companies to defeat the scourge of anti-Semitism that threatens not only our community but the foundations of our democracy.

“Central to this fight is the adoption of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism by all agencies, internet companies, universities and cultural institutions across our country,” Cooper added. “For without a single definition, accountability for anti-Semitic acts and hate crimes would be made that much more difficult. Finally, we must also remember that a significant portion of the anti-Semitic hate generated against the Jewish people specifically targets genocidal and murderous rhetoric and acts against the democratic Jewish state of Israel which today is home to the largest Jewish community in the world.”

Joanna Mendelson, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, said in a statement: “In all its forms, antisemitism poses a significant threat to the fabric of our communities by undermining the fundamental values of our society. This is a vital recognition of the current climate. We are grateful to the Biden administration for providing a clear all-of-government framework aimed at rooting out antisemitism, creating a road map forward, and establishing a multi-pronged approach to address this form of hate. As an organization committed to fostering understanding, promoting social justice, and seeking to nurture our most joyous Jewish selves, we pledge our full support.”

The USC Shoah Foundation tweeted, “We applaud the launch of the @whitehouse
U.S. National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, with 100 new actions and dozens of partner organizations. Governmental leadership is essential to galvanizing a comprehensive response to surging #antisemitism.”

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said in a statement, “In an era of rising antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world, we appreciate the clarity and urgency demonstrated by the White House in releasing its National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. We welcome the embrace of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, which is a continuation of longstanding U.S. policy and a critical tool in the fight against anti-Jewish hate and bias. We look forward to collaborating with the White House and Congress to ensure the implementation of this National Strategy.”

The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) said in a statement, “Jewish Americans have felt our collective sense of security continue to deteriorate for several years now. It makes a huge difference, practically and psychologically, to have a coordinated approach to address the rising tide of antisemitism coming from the highest levels of our government. This strategy works to fight antisemitism at each stage across its lifespan: where it is learned, spread, and acted upon. It reinforces many of JPAC’s priorities in recent years, including increased funding for community security initiatives, expanding Holocaust and genocide education, stopping the spread of hate online, and incorporating Jewish American heritage and antisemitism awareness into our school curricula.

“We look forward to working with our partners in California to implement appropriate parts of this strategy at the state level and across industries and civil society in California,” they added. “We know too that other vulnerable communities are victims to similar increases in hate-motivated harassment and violence. Armed with this plan, we’re going to double down on our coalition work to drive statewide culture and policy change to root out hate and promote equity and prosperity for all.”

Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO Halie Soifer lauded the plan as “the most ambitious and comprehensive effort in U.S. history to fight this dangerous scourge of hate.” “Jewish Dems not only support the actions outlined in the President’s strategy, but the principles upon which they are based, which include increasing awareness of antisemitism and Jewish American heritage, improving safety and security for Jewish communities, reversing the normalization of antisemitism, and building cross-community coalitions against all forms of hate,” she said.  “By mobilizing the full force of the U.S. government, President Biden is aiming to restore the soul of our nation by safeguarding Jewish Americans. Now is the time for the Republican Party and all people of conscience to end the GOP’s embrace of right-wing extremism that has threatened our community, freedom, and rights.”

Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Mark Mellman said in statement that the Biden plan is “comprehensive” and “innovative.” “We thank the Administration for prioritizing the fight against antisemitism and all forms of bigotry from day one,” Mellman said. “Following years of an alarming rise in antisemitic acts, Holocaust distortion, right-wing violent extremism, and anti-Zionist antisemitism across the country — including a record-high number of hate acts and crimes against Jews reported to the FBI in 2021 ­— the Biden-Harris Administration is taking concrete action to identify and combat antisemitism with this vitally important strategy.” Despite the inclusion of Nexus, Mellman argued that “the IHRA definition is the only one embraced by the Administration.” “The IHRA definition has been endorsed by 1,000 entities, including some 40 nations, such as close U.S. allies like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Korea, and the United Kingdom,” Mellman said, later contending that IHRA “is not intended to be legally binding, does not in any way preclude criticism of Israel. It states, ‘criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic,’ but, at the same time, the IHRA working definition affirms that singling out Israel by requiring a behavior that is not demanded of other nations can be regarded as antisemitism. The Administration today sends a clear message that it will not give cover to antisemites who attempt to disguise their Jew hatred as mere criticism of Israeli government policies.”

StandWithUs CEO and Co-Founder Roz Rothstein said in a statement, “We applaud the comprehensive nature of the plan and its ‘whole-of-society’ calls to action, which recognize that effectively combating antisemitism requires the commitment of not only the government but also law enforcement agencies, civic and religious organizations, corporations, and educational institutions. We are pleased that the administration recognizes the preeminence of the IHRA Working Definition in helping to identify and raise awareness about antisemitism. While we maintain our concerns that the reference to alternative definitions could create unnecessary confusion, we are hopeful that the administration’s embrace of the IHRA definition will be evident in the implementation of the overall plan. We are encouraged in this hope by the plan’s expression of unequivocal support for the State of Israel’s legitimacy and its condemnation of antisemitic attacks against the Jewish State.”

Others expressed disappointment in the plan.

“Our country’s crisis of Jew-hatred needs to be addressed clearly, completely, and as a phenomenon unto itself, and the Biden Administration’s plan falls short on all counts,” Stop Antisemitism said in a statement. “Against the advice of major antisemitism advocacy organizations, the plan does not use the IHRA definition to delineate what counts as antisemitism, instead relegating it to a brief paragraph that also includes the inferior, competing Nexus definition. This flies in the face of the plan’s assertion that ‘If we cannot name, identify, and admit a problem, we cannot begin to solve it.’ Not using IHRA as a foundational guide creates a gaping hole; while the plan acknowledges that Jews have been targeted because of their connection to Israel, it fails to name anti-Zionism as a primary form of antisemitism.”

Stop Antisemitism added that “the plan will not even allow antisemitism to stand alone, repeatedly mentioning planned executive actions to fight ‘antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related forms of bias and discrimination.’ Fighting Islamophobia and other bigotries is an excellent goal, but it does not belong in this particular antisemitism strategy. The Administration grossly missed its chance to make a clear statement on what constitutes antisemitism, and America’s Jews will suffer as a result.”

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) similarly said in a statement that the administration “blew it” by including the Nexus Document in the plan. “Hours before a Jewish holiday and in the waning days of Jewish American Heritage Month, the White House is attempting a last-minute straddle – undermining the IHRA definition by promoting alongside it an alternative definition that says applying double standards and singling out the Jewish state for criticism is not antisemitic,” the RJC said. “This decision seriously weakens the White House strategy. It is yet another instance of Biden caving to the anti-Israel radicals who constitute a growing Democratic constituency at both the elected and grassroots levels. It’s clear that only a Republican president will fully embrace the IHRA definition and put the full force of the federal government behind the fight against antisemitism in all its forms.”

Zionist Organization of America National President Morton A. Klein also criticized the Biden plan, calling the Nexus Document “dangerous.” “The Nexus Document states that opposition to Zionism – i.e., the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and to live as a nation-state in their religious and ancestral homeland – is not necessarily antisemitic,” Klein said. “The Nexus Document fails to appreciate that for many if not most Jews, their connection to their religious and ancestral homeland is an essential part of their Jewish identity. The Nexus Document also states that ‘disproportionate focus on Israel and treating Israel differently than other countries cannot necessarily be considered antisemitic.’ But if Israel – the one and only Jewish state in the world – is singled out for criticism and punishment, then there can be no doubt that antisemitism is at play.” Klein argued that “the Biden Strategy failed to mention the IHRA examples of antisemitism,” as “those examples make it clear that antisemitism can be masked as singling out Israel for attacks.” He added that the plan failed “to explicitly identify or deal with any source of antisemitism by name other than white supremacy.”

Some Jewish organizations defended the inclusion of Nexus. A joint statement signed by more than 50 Jewish leaders stated that they “are encouraged that the strategy acknowledges the necessity of employing a diverse toolkit to combat antisemitism, including the Nexus Document. In this way, the Administration makes it possible to address antisemitism in a manner that reflects the contemporary political and historical landscape, specifically concerning the interactions between antisemitism, Israel, and Zionism. This guidance is invaluable for policymakers and community leaders navigating the complexities intersecting these issues.” Jonathan Jacoby, director of the Nexus Task Force, said in a statement: “The Biden administration is tackling complex issues that too often become weaponized in political debates. Antisemitism is not a political question, it is a violent and disturbing reality that must be rooted out of our society, and now, we have a commitment from the government and a united path forward.”

J Street similarly said in a statement, “Importantly, the strategy avoids exclusively codifying any one specific, sweeping definition of antisemitism as the sole standard for use in enforcing domestic law and policy, recognizing that such an approach could do more harm than good.” “While some voices have pushed the White House to give the full force of US law to the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and its accompanying examples, the Biden Administration rightly cites this definition as just one of a range of illustrative and useful tools in understanding and combating antisemitism.”

“We’re glad the administration recognized codifying a definition of antisemitism would be counterproductive, make it harder to identify antisemitism in context & make it easier to violate 1st Amendment rights,” Tr’uah: The Rabbinical Call for Human Rights tweeted. “IHRA was never meant to be used as a broad code for hate speech. Of course, a plan is not a magic cure for antisemitism. There is a long and challenging road ahead. We look forward to continuing to work with the White House to fight antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, so people of all backgrounds can live without fear.”

Some specifically took issue with the administration’s partnership with CAIR as part of the plan. “I stopped reading Biden’s #Antisemitism plan when I saw @CAIRNational listed as a partner,” Bryan E. Leib, the newly installed executive director of CASEPAC, tweeted. “CAIR is an outspoken supporter of the BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] movement, and they have a track record of terrorizing Jewish students on college campuses.”

Stop Antisemitism similarly tweeted that “CAIR is one of the leading proponents of Jew hatred, disgusted as ‘anti-Zionism’ in the U.S. For @POTUS and his administration to partner with such an organization in their efforts to fight antisemitism is frightening to say the least.”

For their part, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said in a statement, “We welcome President Biden’s commitment to confronting the threat of antisemitism, a dangerous and pervasive form of bigotry that has become even more widespread in recent years, largely due to the rise in extremist, far-right political leaders. We plan to continue working with our friends in the Jewish community to oppose the hate that threatens both of our communities, and we also look forward to the release of the White House’s strategic plans to confront other forms of bigotry, including Islamophobia.”

He added: “We also appreciate the White House’s use of language which makes clear that these national strategies should not be used to either infringe upon the constitutional guarantees of free speech or to conflate bigotry with human rights activism, including advocacy for Palestinian freedom and human rights.”

Kenneth L. Marcus, founder and chairman of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, said in a statement, “President Biden has invested significant attention addressing record levels of anti-Semitism, and importantly and appropriately recognizing that Jewish Americans are facing discrimination based not only on our religion but also our ethnic and ancestral background. This is to be commended. The Biden administration has also forcefully embraced IHRA, despite regretfully muddying the water by also acknowledging a lesser standard.

“Deeply troubling, however, is that the administration appears to be retreating from a longstanding commitment to issue regulations on combating anti-Semitism,” Marcus added. “Instead of issuing a new regulation that strengthens protections for Jewish students, the administration is promising only to issue informal guidance to remind institutions of their existing commitments. In short, the rhetoric is very strong and the intent is good, but the substance doesn’t always measure up. There is a serious retreat from earlier commitments, and the implementation could be seriously flawed and rendered ineffective if this plan opens the door to using any definition of anti-Semitism other than IHRA.”

Biden Administration Releases Antisemitism Plan Read More »

A Variety of Vegetable Recipes for Your Kosher Picnic

Food /

Everyone loves a good picnic. Who doesn’t enjoy fresh air, good company and great food?

Here are some delicious vegetable dishes to add to your picnic menu.

Baruch Labunski’s Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish.

“It is perfect for picnics, as it can be made ahead and served at room temperature,” Labunski, CEO of Rank Secure, told the Journal. “The combination of quinoa, fresh vegetables, herbs and feta cheese creates a light yet satisfying meal that is both nourishing and delicious.” 

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 medium cucumber, diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss again.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

G.P. Gottlieb says her Mango-Avocado salad is her go-to picnic dish. 

“It’s so easy and has a bit of a kick,” Gottlieb, author of the “Whipped & Sipped Mysteries,” told the Journal.

Mango Avocado Salad
Photo courtesy gpgottlieb.com

Mango-Avocado Salad

1 mango cut in small pieces
1 medium avocado cut in small pieces
1 cup (or more) chopped Napa cabbage
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped red onion
Juice and zest of one medium lime
1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Chunky Salsa (my
favorite – has a smoky flavor)
Salt and Pepper to taste (optional)

Serve as shown in sections in the bowl because it looks awesome. Then mix at the table. Or just serve it already mixed. It’ll taste delicious either way!

Baker/comedian Norma Zager loves her Easy Peasy Pasta Slaw.

“It’s a simple recipe that can easily be used as a main dish or a side,” Zager told the Journal. “The rotini also adds a colorful touch to the meal.”

Easy Peasy Pasta Slaw

1 package Shredded cabbage
2 cups Rotini pasta cooked (colored or
plain, but I use the colored)
Salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients and toss with mayo dressing (recipe below). Add protein (cooked chicken, tuna), if desired.

My Mother-in-Law’s Mayonnaise Dressing
1 cup of mayo
2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 heaping Tbsp of sugar (artificial
sweeteners may be used here instead)Mix together all ingredients and toss into the slaw mixture. If you like it with more dressing, just double the recipe.

Alissa Kondogiannis was brought up South African Orthodox (Flexidox). 

“Cooking food like my husband’s Yiayia used to cook — homestyle with fresh ingredients and full of love —  brings me nachas,” Kondogiannis, chef with the meal preparation service Cookin’ and owner of Barnstar Kitchen in Toronto, told the Journal.

Her Vegetable Stuffed Tomatoes, Gemista, is a great vegetarian entrée that will make your meat eaters just as happy. 

“Everyday Greek cooking becomes even more special when shared,” she said. “[Gemista is] perfect for summer picnics, when you’re looking for something more than sandwiches.” 

Vegetable Stuffed Tomatoes: Gemista

Cut the tops off 8 beefsteak tomatoes, keeping the tops for later. Scoop out all the insides into a bowl.

Sprinkle the insides of the tomatoes with a little salt and set them upside down on some paper towels to drain.

Peel 1 small eggplant and 2 small zucchinis, then finely dice them along with the flesh from the tomatoes.

Grate 1 small onion and 2 garlic cloves.

Heat 1/3 cup of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic, tomato and zucchini flesh and cook over high heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups of medium-grain rice, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint, 3 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 Tbsp of ketchup, 1 tsp of oregano and 1/4 tsp allspice. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the tomatoes in a large ovenproof dish. Fill the tomato shells 3/4 full with the rice mixture and replace their tops.

Peel 2 potatoes, cut them into wedges, and place them between the tomatoes, using them to support any unstable tomatoes.

Pour 1 cup of tomato juice mixed with 1 cup of vegetable stock into the dish and drizzle 1/3 cup of olive oil over everything.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional half an hour.

It may be necessary to add more tomato juice if it looks like it’s drying out.

Serve at room temperature.

Kali oreksi! Bon appétit.

A Variety of Vegetable Recipes for Your Kosher Picnic Read More »

The Little Tichel Lady Opens on Pico

Community /

Seven years ago, Jessica Golriz Hyam started selling tichels, head coverings for Jewish women, out of the living room of her two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. 

“Our second child was four months old when I started researching how to start our business,” Hyam said. “That was definitely an experience.”

Eventually, Hyam and her family moved to a house in Pico-Robertson, and she began selling out of her garage. She imported scarves from Israel and offered hats as well. At the same time, she built up a substantial following on social media, posting tutorials on how to tie scarves, and she called herself The Little Tichel Lady.

Now, the entrepreneur, wife and mother has opened her own shop at 9016 W. Pico Boulevard in Pico-Robertson. She said that going from selling out of her garage to getting her own storefront was “a literal 180. There are definitely pros and cons to both sides, but I’m grateful that we were able to expand to a storefront so we could offer more styles, including clothing and Shabbat makeup.” 

In addition to selling tichels, Hyam is a freelance makeup artist. Shabbat makeup is makeup that stays on for long periods of time, when observant Jews won’t touch up their makeup on Shabbat or the holidays. Hyam is also selling modest bathing suits and clothing, which are not readily available at other L.A. stores.

“I feel it’s important for women to look ‘beautiful’ for themselves for their own self-esteem and outlook on how they see themselves.”- Jessica Hyam

“More than looking beautiful for our spouse and the general public to make a kiddush Hashem, I feel it’s important for women to look beautiful for themselves for their own self-esteem and outlook on how they see themselves,” Hyam said. “This is why we offer so many different styles of head coverings. I want to make sure that every woman has what they need in order to feel confident and happy throughout their day.”

Being able to help women fulfill their mitzvot in a meaningful way is what drives Hyam to run her business. 

“There aren’t so many mitzvot that are set aside only for women, yet it is one that is very difficult for many women, regardless of if they choose to cover with a hair covering or with a shaitel (wig),” she said. “I remember having this inner struggle of not recognizing myself after I got married and nobody ever told me that it’s something that takes time to get used to. I made it my mission to help women in this regard, to make the transition easier for them than what it was for me.”

Hyam grew up in a traditional Persian home. She was born in Oklahoma, where her father was earning his engineering degree after leaving Iran before the Revolution. When she was three, her family moved to L.A. and placed her in a private Jewish school.

“I started the process of becoming a baal teshuva when I was 12,” she said. “It was a process that took many, many years.”

Today, Hyam is an active member of her Pico-Robertson community as well as the broader Jewish community online. Her goal? Along with being the best mother, wife and member of her community that she can, it’s to help women solve their hair covering issues. 

“Whether it’s making tutorials and tips and tricks videos to troubleshoot or answering customer service questions, I’m happy when I know that someone else is happy in their hair covering journey,” she said.

With the new storefront, Hyam acknowledged how her faith has contributed to her success.

“People will often ask me for business advice and ask how I got to where I am today, I want you to know that everything that I have been able to accomplish is because of God’s graciousness,” she said. “Every step forward, every sale, every idea comes from Him, and I don’t take any of it for granted.”

The Little Tichel Lady Opens on Pico Read More »

Campus Watch May 25, 2023

Campus Watch, Community /

“From the River to the Sea” Graffiti at UCSB Chabad

Graffiti reading, “From The River To The Sea Palestine Will Be Free” was found on May 19 outside of the Chabad at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Chabad at UCSB Co-Director Rabbi Gershon Klein tweeted out a photo and video of the graffiti, saying they found it just before their “Mega Shabbat” that had 800 students in attendance. On May 22, Klein tweeted out a photo of the Chabad board’s co-presidents “‘redecorating’ the alley” where the graffiti was found. “No more graffiti!,” Klein tweeted.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties Regional Director Daniel A. Meisel said in a statement that they “strongly condemn this attack and potentially antisemitic hate crime,” calling it “an unconscionable act of intimidation … This language, which has long been used by anti-Israel actors, can ostracize and intimidate members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community,” Meisel added. “We hope all community members will unite to condemn this act of antisemitism.”

Teen Violates Probation After Being Sentenced for Stealing, Burning Israeli Flags in Front of Montreal Jewish Day School

A teenager sentenced for stealing Israeli flags and burning them in front of a Montreal Jewish day school in April reportedly violated his probation.

CityNews Montreal reported that the teenager — an unidentified 16-year-old male — received his one-year probation on May 15; under the terms of the sentence, the teenager is prohibited from posting anything about the Jewish day school, which CityNews Montreal identified as the Hebrew Foundation School, as well as anything related to Israel. The next day, the teenager reportedly posted to social media: “Finally released on probation. They thought they had finished and silenced me, but I’m back and stronger than ever. Thanks to those who supported me and especially don’t forget Palestine. My voice alone is worthless but together we move the city and we disturb them. Our victory soon.”

On May 18, a court enacted a stricter probation sentence barring the teenager from posting to social media entirely.

Pro-Palestinian Group Calls for CUNY to “Cut All Ties With Zionist/Pro-Israel Groups”

The pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime (WOL) is urging the City of University of New York (CUNY) to “cut all ties with Zionist/pro-Israel groups on and off campus” after CUNY School of Law took down video of a recent anti-Israel commencement speaker.

WOL tweeted on May 21, “This past week CUNY Law gave in to zionist [sic] pressure and took down the video of the graduation ceremony to censor Fatima [Mohammed]’s message of social justice in support of Palestine and the global struggle against racism & oppression.” Mohammed, CUNY Law’s commencement speaker this year, is a member of CUNY Law’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of New York lampooned Mohammed’s speech for its “incendiary anti-Israel rhetoric” and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New York / New Jersey derided it as “appalling,” per The Times of Israel (TOI). TOI also noted that “the commencement ceremony was closed to the press” and a “YouTube video of the event was made non-public.”

Additionally, WOL accused CUNY Law of taking down the video of Nerdeen Kiswani’s 2022 commencement address. Kiswani, who heads WOL, “excoriated Zionists and condemned ‘normalizing’ trips to Israel,” according to the ADL.” WOL also issued a series of demands to CUNY, including releasing the full, unedited videos of Mohammed and Kiswani’s commencement speeches, issuing “a solidarity statement” with those fighting censorship and to “blacklist websites that target CUNY students like Canary Mission.” Another demand was to “cut all ties with Zionist/pro-Israel groups on and off campus.”

Mohammed El-Kurd Receives Calgary Peace Prize 

Anti-Israel activist Mohammed El-Kurd received the Calgary Peace Prize on May 18 from a committee chaired by a professor at Mount Royal University (MRU).

The ADL has described the book and social media of El-Kurd, the Palestine Correspondent for The Nation, as being “unvarnished, vicious antisemitism.” “El-Kurd has accused Israelis of eating the organs of Palestinians and of having a particular lust for Palestinian blood,” the ADL says about El-Kurd. “He has compared Israelis to Nazis, negated the historic Jewish connection to the Land of Israel, and vilified Zionism and Zionists.” B’nai Brith Canada received a letter from MRU Dean of the Faculty of the Arts Jennifer Pettit saying the committee does not reflect the views of the university. The Calgary Jewish Federation, however, doesn’t think the university has done enough to distance itself from the award.

Swastika Found in MA School Bathroom

A swastika was found scrawled with “chocolate or a similar substance” in the boys’ bathroom of a high school in Newton, Mass. on May 18.

Boston 25 News reported that Newton South High School Principal Tamara Stras wrote in a letter to parents that there was “anger and disappointment” over the swastika. “I want to assure you that we as a school and district are deeply dedicated to addressing hate and discrimination issues and educating our students to stand up against hate,” she added. “South will always strive to be a place where all feel seen, heard, and supported.” Local police are investigating the matter.

Campus Watch May 25, 2023 Read More »

Catching Up With Dean Friedman

Entertainment /

I was driving with my family in our white Jeep Wrangler through the desert of Las Vegas, listening to my favorite Spotify mix: Billy Joel, Bob Dylan and Electric Light Orchestra. 

And then, I heard a quirky rock-pop song that sounded like it was straight out of the 70’s. It told the story of a teenage boy who falls in love with a dynamic girl named Ariel, and in the chorus, he croons an elongated “Ariel,” reaching a high note as a saxophone blares behind him. He also sings, “She was a Jewish girl, I fell in love with her” and talks about how they hung out “deep in the bosom of suburbia.” 

I asked my wife Kylie, “Who sings this?”

Looking at the screen, she said, “Dean Friedman.”

“Who?”

“Dean Friedman?” she said, sounding unsure of herself.

“Yes, I heard you the first time. But who is Dean Friedman?”

“I don’t know.” 

“He’s really good! How did we not know about Dean Friedman?”

That was the beginning of my Dean Friedman obsession. His songs are fun, whimsical and feature excellent storytelling.

Often, over the years, I’d be in the car with Kylie, listening to Dean Friedman, and I’d turn to her and say, “What do you think Dean Friedman’s life is like? Does Dean Friedman tour? What do you think Dean Friedman is doing right now?” 

To which Kylie would always respond, “I don’t know. I know nothing about this Dean Friedman. If you’re so curious about Dean Friedman, why don’t you look him up?”

Turns out, you can friend Dean Friedman on Facebook! I was shocked when he accepted my friend request. I thought it must be a Dean Friedman impersonator. In my world, Dean Friedman is a massive celebrity.

I was so delighted when he got back to me. We scheduled a Zoom and caught up when he was in the middle of his UK tour – he’s big over there. What was perhaps most surprising to me about the interview was that Dean has a very Jewish story. I went into this article not knowing anything about him, but it turns out, he’s a real hardcore Yid.

“I always valued my Jewish heritage and culture,” Dean said. “Inexplicably, for reasons I don’t understand, my mom sent me to a yeshiva in Patterson, New Jersey for fifth and sixth grade, and then the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore for ninth and 10th grade. I was a fish out of water, since my family wasn’t Shomer Shabbat and we didn’t keep kosher.”

He continued, “Compared to the really frum kids, I was a rebel.” 

This led to some problems.

“I got kicked out of yeshiva on several occasions,” he said. 

Once, Dean, who was influenced by Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, got caught playing his guitar in the bathroom during the omer, when it was prohibited to play or listen to music. Another time, he broke into the gymnasium in the middle of the night to play the piano. He also hilariously got caught with some treyf contraband. 

“It was already Shabbat, and I couldn’t turn my light out or else the rabbis would know I did it, so I wrapped a towel around the lamp to cover it so I could go to sleep,” he said. “Thinking that I didn’t want it to catch fire, I soaked the towel in water. Of course, it dried out immediately, caught fire and set the whole room on fire.”

But Dean didn’t get expelled for setting his room ablaze.

“I got kicked out because when they threw the flaming mattress out the window, that’s when they discovered my charred copies of Playboy magazine that I’d been hiding underneath it,” he said.

Despite not being so observant, Dean is clearly proud of his Judaism. He’s featured on “The Complete Jewish Songbook for Children, Vol. III,” singing the original songs “In My Sukkah” and “Tu Bishvat,” and “A Million Matzoh Balls,” a song which was featured in the very Jewish film “Lemon.”  

“I grew up with a lot of respect for the culture and the friends I made and the beautiful aspects of religion, but with a healthy skepticism,” he said. 

Dean’s songs can be lighthearted or have a deeper meaning. He captures a range of feeling and emotion in his music. 

“American Lullaby,” his most recent album, is about the modern problems in the U.S., set to a melodic, soft piano.

“I was dealing with difficult topics [in this song], but I didn’t want to scare everybody off the bat,” he said. “I used the idea of the lullaby, because in every culture, lullabies share something curious in common: as parents are lulling their babies to sleep or singing a sweet melody in gentle soothing tones, the lyrics to most lullabies are terrifying. A lullaby is a parent’s longing to instill critical information into the next generation without scaring the sh– out of them.”

I love all of Dean’s music – the man is incredibly prolific. Just check out his catalog on Spotify.

But going back to “Ariel,” that first song I heard in the Jeep that day, I had to know: Who was this girl? 

“I married her, but her name is actually Alison,” Dean said. 

“And?” I asked.

“Well, Ariel was a composite of all these teenage girls I had a crush on growing up,” he said. “A couple years after the song came out, I met Alison in a park. We were both walking our dogs and she was like that Ariel I envisioned.” They have two children, one of whom is a writer in Hollywood.

One interesting fact about “Ariel” Dean shared is that when it came out, his record label was afraid people in Middle America wouldn’t like the song because it mentioned a “Jewish girl.” 

One interesting fact about “Ariel” Dean shared is that when it came out, his record label was afraid people in Middle America wouldn’t like the song because it mentioned a “Jewish girl.” The label made him take it out for those markets.

“Then the Jewish Defense League came after me and threatened to boycott me because they cut the Jewish girl line,” he said. 

Ironically enough, those markets in Middle America got ahold of the original version of “Ariel” and preferred to play that one. They didn’t care about the line at all. It was another funny anecdote from Dean’s interesting life. 

Today, Dean is finishing his UK tour, writing new songs all the time and comes to L.A. to perform every winter. 

So, where does he find the inspiration? “I’ll always draw from the real world around me,” he said. “I started writing songs when I was nine, and I’ve never stopped.”

Catching Up With Dean Friedman Read More »

Ronald Alan Bragin

Obituaries /

Ronn Bragin passed away peacefully, at home, on Saturday, April 29, while holding hands with his wife, after a valiant twenty-months battle with glioblastoma.

Ronn was born on June 28, 1950 to Irving (OBM) and Beatrice Bragin (OBM), who raised their three sons in a happy, loving home. Ronn, the middle kid, fondly remembered his idyllic 50’s Southern California childhood, replete with family dinners, friends, vacations, and celebrations. During elementary school, Ronn’s teachers took him out of class regularly for testing, which he enjoyed, until it was decided he must skip 4th grade. Ronn didn’t relish becoming a year younger than his classmates, but he did develop a lifetime passion for mental challenges – puzzles, quizzes, games – and always loved testing his wits. 

In 1967, Ronn graduated from Lakewood High and started U.C. Berkeley where he became involved in the speech and debate program. He travelled throughout the country, distinguishing himself as a speaker in many tournaments. In 1971, as captain of the debate team, he impressed Irina Eremia, an eighteen-year-old immigrant from Romania, with his eloquence, confidence, wit, humor, as well as tall, lean, good looks and kind, gentle smile. When Ronn attended U.S.C. law school the following year, the couple continued their relationship through Irina’s debate trips to L.A. The two wed on July 20, 1974. Throughout their harmonious marriage, Ronn and Irina never had any doubt they were each other’s bashert.

After graduating from U.S.C. law school in 1975, Ronn handled litigation matters for several prominent law firms and eventually founded Bragin Law, PC in 2008 where he specialized in complex transactional real estate work. “Your dad exemplified the best in the legal profession,” wrote one of Ronn’s clients to his son, Andrew, who joined his father in the practice in 2013. “How do I express how much our financial future depended on the quality of his work, and over many years and many transactions, he never once let us down. He was an unsung hero in my book.”

Despite his dedication to his clients, Ronn’s top priority was always his family. He derived his greatest joy raising his son, Andrew, and his daughter, Lauren (Wulkan) who also became a lawyer. Ronn relished reading them stories, taking them on skiing, beach, national park and European vacations, as well as just relaxing for shabbat dinners, brunches and barbecues with close friends and relatives. He adored his precious grandchildren, Preston (8), Margaux (5), Asher (2) and Jack (4 months), who live in his neighborhood and showered him with smiles, hugs and kisses until his last day. Ronn was blessed with a tight circle of golf and poker buddies and dear life-long friends, a daughter-in law, Shira (Donath) Bragin and son-in-law, David Wulkan, whom he deeply loved. Ronn’s wife, brothers (Steve and Rob Bragin), children, friends and relatives lifted his spirits throughout his illness. 

Ronn supported a number of Jewish causes and over the last decade became active in Chabad of Cheviot Hills where Rabbi Aaron and Rebbetzin Esty Begun and their sons guided Ronn’s (Rahmiel Ben Itzhak’s) spiritual journey through the most challenging period of his life. Please make donations in his memory to Chabad of Cheviot Hills.

Ronald Alan Bragin Read More »

From a Bomb Shelter in Israel to a Career in Comedy: Meet Or Mash

Entertainment /

Like any Israeli child, Or Mash knew what the sound of a blaring alarm meant: it was time to go to the bomb shelter. When she heard it, she rushed with her family and neighbors to the nearest shelter for safety. Everyone waited to see what would happen. The energy was very tense. 

Then, a neighbor turned on the TV. 

“A comedian on the screen was telling a joke,” said Mash. “All of a sudden, everyone started laughing, and the room’s vibe changed. The comedian took us out of our reality and into a magical place.” 

At that moment, Mash saw the power of humor. 

“That’s when I realized I wanted to do that,” she said. “I wanted to light up people’s faces and bring them together.”

Mash, who was raised in Ra’anana, served in the IDF and worked in business development for startup companies in Tel Aviv. At the time, she was just trying to be a good daughter.

“I wanted to make my parents proud, and I did well for myself,” she said. “But after a few years, the feeling of, ‘Am I missing something?’ lingered. I was curious to explore my real passions, but I wasn’t sure how I would make money from it, or how to start, but I knew I owed it to myself and Hashem to at least try.”

Pretty soon, Mash booked a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, even though she didn’t know a single person in California. She started playing at local comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory, The Improv and the Ice House, opened for Jeff Ross and enrolled in the prestigious UCLA Writers’ Program. 

She then got her biggest break yet: she was tapped to join “Wild ‘N Out,” the improv and rap battle comedy show on Paramount+. On it, Mash acts in improv and sketch scenes and battles it out on stage with the other cast members. In a popular clip, a rapper was dissing Mash for not knowing English, and she hit him back with an insult in Hebrew that the crowd enthusiastically applauded. 

Along with “Wild ‘N Out,” Mash is now producing content with her sister, Ophir; they go by the name The Mash Sisters. Their original web series “Needs” is about how they view American culture from their outsider, Israeli perspective, and it won awards at the London-Worldwide Comedy Film Festival and the Women’s Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta.

With her work on TV and the stage, the outgoing, energetic Mash tries to not only make people laugh, but also ensure they come away with a positive outlook on Israelis and Jews. She’s experienced antisemitism, but it mostly came from trolls online. 

“I focus on bringing joy into people’s hearts and ignore the negativity,” she said. As a cast member of ‘Wild ’N Out,’ I get a huge platform. The cast and crew have created such a great environment and support me so much. I’m able to open people’s eyes.”

Instead of getting into it with the trolls, Mash focuses on making people laugh and sharing her talents with the world.

“What I learned from my Jewish culture is the best way to battle antisemitism is by being very good at what I do,” she said. [I’m] using the gifts Hashem gave me in the best way I can. I channel this philosophy throughout my career.”

“Wild ‘N Out” is, hopefully, the start of a huge career for Mash. She also plans to tour with her comedy, make music and star in movies. Currently, she’s working on two feature films and an original special.  

“I want to continue to share the stage with the best comedic talent in the business, learn from them and push my creativity to the highest levels,” said Mash, who has worked alongside Bill Burr, Sarah Silverman and Marlon Wayans. “Comedy is so much fun, and I love being surrounded by it. I can proudly say I am living my dream, making people laugh on the TV screen just as the comedian in that bomb shelter had done for me.”

As a Jew, Mash turns to her faith to keep her grounded.

“I thank Hashem every day for blessing me with the opportunity to live my dream and create a legacy I’m proud of,” she said. “My name, Or, in Hebrew, means light, and that’s exactly how I want to be remembered: as a beacon of light.

From a Bomb Shelter in Israel to a Career in Comedy: Meet Or Mash Read More »

Print Issue: Fearless Rabbi | May 26 2023

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The Travel Mom’s Marvelous San Diego #CampTravelMom 2023 was MAGNIFICENT!

Blogs, Commentary /

Thank you to The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman, for including me in her marvelous #CampTravelMom weekend at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort! My favorite thing growing up was going to Jewish summer camp and it was such a blast to return to that feeling with a friend from Stephen Wise Temple!

Dinner with Visit San Diego, Madam Tussauds and LegoLand California

I absolutely loved my time at Camp Travel Mom, where the excitement was off the charts! The weekend was an extraordinary blend of travel writers, karaoke, and disco, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and exhilaration.

One unforgettable night, we took the stage by storm, showcasing our karaoke skills and unleashing our inner rockstars.

Breakfast by the Pool with RVShare and TravelGuard

Seaside Brunch Bliss with Atlantis Bahamas, Expedia, VRBO, Hotels.com and Travel Costa Mesa

Afternoon Adventures with Massage Envy, pool side drinks with The Palm Beaches Florida, Grand Hyatt Kauai and Plant Juice Oils

And let me tell you, the disco night was an absolute blast! We danced the night away, donning our most outrageous costumes for an epic contest. To add to the fun, I brought my trusty hula hoop, spinning and twirling to the beat of the music.

 

With the support of incredible brand sponsors, we also enjoyed thrilling jet ski rides, valuable networking opportunities, and luxurious massages. Camp Travel Mom truly knows how to create an experience that ignites passion, sparks connections, and leaves you with lifelong memories.

Read more about our weekend on Hello Magazine!

Follow Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom, on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

  See more photos on We Said Go Travel

 

The Travel Mom’s Marvelous San Diego #CampTravelMom 2023 was MAGNIFICENT! Read More »

Israel, Water and the Next 100 Years

Editor's Note /

Did you know that if you put a bucket in your backyard in Israel to capture rain water, the water belongs not to you but to the state?

That was one of the interesting tidbits I picked up at an L.A. Jewish Film Festival screening of “Who Are the Marcuses?” a documentary about a mysterious Jewish couple from San Diego who donated half a billion dollars to Israel, the largest single gift in the history of the state.

The film intermingles two stories—the donors and the cause. The donors are Lottie and Howard Marcus and the cause is water.

The first story is about two Holocaust refugees who invested their nest egg with Warren Buffett and eventually bequeathed half a billion dollars to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to study water management. That story, and the philosophy of giving that it represents, is compelling in its own right.

But the real power of the film is its deep dive into Israel’s existential relationship with water, and how Israel can impact the future of humanity through its mastery of life’s indispensable element.

As you watch the film, it’s hard not to juxtapose Israel’s water miracles with the loud calls to boycott and condemn the world’s only Jewish state. The absurdity of shunning, rather than embracing, a nation that can save the planet is never more in evidence.

The film delves into Israel’s long history as a leader in alleviating water scarcity, from Theodore Herzl’s early writings about “water for the people” to David Ben-Gurion’s enormous investment in water transportation to the research and innovations in desalination, water generation and purification that have transformed the country.

It’s impossible to overstate the depth of the relationship between Israel and water. Early pioneers who confronted the desert landscape understood that water would be a decisive factor in the success of the Zionist project. Having a strong army to defend the state was indispensable, but without plentiful water there would be no state to defend.

Water entered the bloodstream of Zionism. It consumed everyone from farmers to politicians to scientists to philosophers. 

Water, then, entered the bloodstream of Zionism. It consumed everyone from farmers to politicians to scientists to philosophers. When philosopher Micah Goodman speaks in the film about the “two Zionisms,” he refers to both the “safe harbor for the Jews” and the “opportunity to contribute to the world.”

Water now exemplifies the second Zionism — sharing with the planet Israel’s extraordinary knowhow with this universal life-giving force. As much as oil was the liquid of the past century, water has emerged as the dominant liquid of the new century. 

Water reaches every aspect of societies. The film shows, for example, how droughts in Syria triggered the mass migration of cotton farmers that led to millions of refugees. That humanitarian disaster could have been prevented with the benefit of Israel’s water management, especially its cutting-edge purification of sewer water for agriculture.

Purified sewer water now supplies about 80% of Israel’s agricultural needs, by far the most in the world. The next country is around 15%.  

The heart of Israel’s water miracle is desalination, and for good reason. Indeed, there’s something almost mystical about living on dry land, looking at the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea and dreaming that one day you might drink from it. The film traces how through the miracle of desalination technology, refined over decades, Israel has made that dream a reality, turning sea water into drinking water for eternity.

The bond between Israel and water is so deep that it can transcend the usual conflicts. In the film, a water expert waxes philosophically about sharing water with neighbors, even hostile ones. “Having thirsty neighbors is morally incorrect,” he says.

Because water and climate change are inextricably linked, it goes without saying that Israel’s mastery with water will have a huge impact on the environmental issue of our time.

According to the latest UN World Water Development Report, between two and three billion people worldwide experience water shortages. The report notes that “these shortages will worsen in the coming decades, especially in cities, if international cooperation in this area is not boosted.”

The world now has its ideal headquarters for this international cooperation: Israel.

It’s fitting that this is the week we celebrate the festival of Shavuot, when we commemorate receiving the Torah at Sinai. As Rabbi Ismar Schorsch once wrote, “Torah to Jews is as vital as water to humans. They are both indispensable sources of life.”

It’s also fitting that this is the week we celebrate the festival of Shavuot, when we commemorate receiving the Torah at Sinai. As Rabbi Ismar Schorsch once wrote, “Torah to Jews is as vital as water to humans. They are both indispensable sources of life.”

May we continue to honor both.

Israel, Water and the Next 100 Years Read More »